Method and apparatus for securing a soft tissue graft to bone during an ACL reconstruction

Abstract

An anchoring apparatus and method of use are disclosed that secure a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a securing device, a retention device, and an anchoring device. The securing device has an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the tendon or ligament fits between the interior of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device. The retention device has an elongated body and a retention head, wherein the retention device securely fits within the interior surface of the securing device. The anchoring or holding device connects to the retention head of the retention device and extends outside the interior opening of the bone structure to engage the outer surface of the bone structure to hold the retention device and securing device in a fixed position inside the bone structure.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An anchoring apparatus that secures a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure, the anchoring apparatus comprising: 
       a securing device having an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner channel, wherein the tendon or ligament is secured between a bone wall of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device, and wherein the securing device is configured for placement completely within the open bone structure;  
       a retention device having an elongated body and a retention head, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body extends down the inner channel of the securing device to cause a bias on the tendon or ligament in a direction toward the bone wall, wherein the retention head includes a rounded portion and a flat portion, and wherein the flat portion is parallel to the length of the elongated body; and  
       a holding device that is connected to the retention head and extends outside of an outer surface of the bone structure wherein at least a portion of the holding device is configured to lock with the flat portion of the retention head, and wherein another portion of the holding device provides a bias in a direction that is transverse to the bias caused by the elongated body extending down the inner channel of the securing device.  
     
     
       2. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the holding device comprises a washer that includes at least one retention spike to engage the bone structure and an opening configured to receive the elongated body of the retention device therethrough, but not the retention head. 
     
     
       3. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the rounded portion of the retention head provides a pivotal connection with the holding device. 
     
     
       4. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing device includes threads on the outer surface. 
     
     
       5. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the holding device includes a plurality of apertures that retain means for securing the tendon or ligament to the anchoring apparatus. 
     
     
       6. An anchoring apparatus that secures a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure, comprising: 
       a securing device having an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner channel, wherein the tendon or ligament is secured against a bone wall of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device and wherein the securing device is configured to be located completely within a channel created in the open bone structure;  
       a retaining device having an elongated body and a retention head, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body extends down the inner channel of the securing device to cause a bias on the tendon or ligament in a direction toward the bone wall, wherein the retention head includes a rounded portion and a flat portion, and wherein the flat portion is parallel to the length of the retaining device; and  
       an anchoring device that is connected to the retention head of the retaining device and is located outside of the channel of the open bone structure such that a portion of the tendon or ligament extends outside the channel of the open bone structure and is held in place against an outer surface of the open bone structure by the anchoring device providing a bias in a direction that is transverse to the bias caused by the elongated body extending down the inner channel of the securing device, wherein at least a portion of the anchoring device is configured to lock with the flat portion of the retention head, and wherein the orientation of the elongated body is allowed to be transverse in relation to the anchoring device.  
     
     
       7. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the anchoring device comprises a washer that includes at least one anchoring spike to engage the bone structure and an opening configured to receive the elongated body of the retention device therethrough, but not the retention head. 
     
     
       8. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the rounded portion of the retention head provides a pivotal connection with the holding device. 
     
     
       9. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the securing device includes threads on the outer surface. 
     
     
       10. The anchoring apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the anchoring device includes a plurality of apertures that retain means for securing the tendon or ligament to the anchoring apparatus.